Munster have made seven changes in personnel for Saturday's Magners League semi-final against Leinster at the RDS (kick-off 8pm), with Doug Howlett, Keith Earls, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes and Mick O'Driscoll returning to the matchday squad.

A hamstring injury has kept Doug Howlett out of action since the Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Northampton Saints, while Keith Earls (groin), Jerry Flannery (calf) and Mick O'Driscoll (ankle) missed last weekend's trip to Cardiff through injury.

John Hayes was given a well earned rest last time out as Munster qualified for the Magners League semi-finals thanks to the losing bonus point they picked up against the Blues.

Earls' return to the Munster team sees Lifeimi Mafi switch to the left wing, while Denis Hurley makes way for Howlett on the right.

Tom Gleeson loses out in a rejigged back-line which also includes switches at full-back and scrum half - Paul Warwick starts in place of Scott Deasy and Peter Stringer makes way for Tomas O'Leary.

In the front row Damien Varley continues at hooker as Flannery returns from injury to provide back-up on the bench, and Hayes takes over from Tony Buckley at tighthead prop.

The fit-again O'Driscoll joins Donncha O'Callaghan in the second row, and Alan Quinlan returns at blindside flanker, alongside Niall Ronan and Nick Williams, who takes over from David Wallace at number 8, in a powerful back row.

Wallace and James Coughlan will be hoping to make an impact as replacements as Munster look to end a three-match losing streak against Leinster and progress to the inaugural Magners League grand final.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's game, Munster coach Tony McGahan said: "It's been an okay season, but the real goal for us is to finish with silverware and we have to give ourselves every opportunity with a tough 80 minutes on Saturday.

"We haven't shied away from the fact that we have been inconsistent this particular season. We've had some excellent days out but, at the same time, we've certainly let ourselves down with inconsistency right across the park.

"It hasn't been limited to one or two areas - it's been set piece perspective, it's been attack, it's been defence, it's been the breakdown, it's been goal-kicking, it's been field-kicking. We haven't really been able to gel everything together.

"We've reached a semi-final in the Heineken Cup, we're into a semi-final in the Magners League, and we've got a final with the 'A' team at the weekend. I think in last Sunday's game in Cardiff - even though we didn't win - we had done enough to get the result and that has certainly given the squad a big boost."

He added: "Heading into a semi-final in Dublin, there is plenty to be pleased about and we are certainly looking forward to that aspect of it.

"I think the kicking game is going to be a huge part of the weekend.. Leinster certainly demonstrated over the last number of years and especially so in this particular year, their physicality in their carrying and the physicality in their defence. So that's going to be another key area for us."

They needed a 27-point winning margin against Scotland. They got that and more. The Ireland Women's team captured their second Women's RBS 6 Nations title in style at Broadwood Stadium - relive their Championship winning day in our exclusive video.

It was nail-biting, nerve shredding and epic! Relive Ireland's RBS 6 Nations Championship day from the squad's arrival at Murrayfield to the trophy presentation in our exclusive tunnel and pitch cam video.

Larissa Muldoon, now a two-time Women's RBS 6 Nations winner, is part of an all-Donegal half-back pairing for the Ireland Women. She spoke to Irish Rugby TV about the developing clubs in her own county.

Ireland Women's lock Orla Fitzsimons describes how she was a supporter in the stands for the 2013 Grand Slam success, and now, two years on, she has a Women's RBS 6 Nations winners' medal around her neck.

Niamh Briggs had a day to remember as she captained the Ireland Women's team to RBS 6 Nations title glory. The Waterford star, who scored the first try in the 73-3 win over Scotland, spoke to Irish Rugby TV afterwards.

Paying tribute to the Ireland supporters at Murrayfield, RBS 6 Nations winner Luke Fitzgerald said: "Thanks a million to the fans from the all guys. They were fantastic. We really felt their support out there, they were the '16th man' and helped us get over the line."

Sean O'Brien scored two tries and produced a man-of-the-match performance as Ireland beat Scotland 40-10 to finish top of the table and retain the RBS 6 Nations title. He spoke to Irish Rugby TV afterwards.

Speaking to Irish Rugby TV after the trophy presentation, RBS 6 Nations winner Robbie Henshaw said: "Words can't describe it...just the whole atmosphere, everyone in the stadium, just the way it ended out. It was pretty intense, the heart was rushing."

Enjoying the post-match celebrations at Murrayfield, RBS 6 Nations winner Rory Best said: "It's been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, the last hour. The crowd have been absolutely incredible. We're just delighted to give something back to them."